Abstract: An apparatus for supplying supporting force in a boot or the like having predetermined first and second sides, the apparatus having a force applying system including a plurality of first securing points mounted in substantially fixed relation on the boot on the first side, a second securing point mounted in substantially fixed relation on the boot on the second side and a force applying member linking through the system the first securing points and the second securing point and adapted to draw the first and second securing points substantially toward each other to apply a selected force capturing the foot in the boot.

Abstract: A guard for an open top gutter mounted on the eaves of a building of the type having a roof covering with a peripheral edge of the roof covering adjacent to the gutter arranged so it can be lifted slightly to receive a portion of the gutter guard. The gutter guard includes an elongated generally rectangular sheet of thin, flexible, resilient plastic material having a width about twice the width of the open top of the gutter. The plastic sheet is divided longitudinally into imperforate and perforate portions, each portion adapted to be alternately positioned under the peripheral edge of the roof covering with the other portion positioned over the gutter. The outer longitudinal edges of the sheet are formed with narrow bendable flaps, defined by fold lines, and the imperforate and perforate portions of the sheet are separated by another fold line. A clip fits over the top rim of the gutter and receives the edge of the guard and its flap to hold the guard in position on the gutter.